In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi released the crystal orb, a faint smile easing across his face.
Phew!
There was no doubt—these three kids couldn't possibly beat Jiraiya.
But…
The way they had completed the bell-snatching task so brilliantly exceeded the Third Hokage's expectations by far.
He had originally thought—
If these three could put aside their past grudges and maintain a degree of teamwork, perhaps Jiraiya would turn a blind eye and let them pass.
Yet now, Haruto and Konan had tactically created openings, giving Kakashi opportunities.
Kakashi, instead of sulking, seized them.
Conflicts existed, but they didn't compromise the assessment.One thing was separate from another.
This was the mindset of a mature ninja.
And the one who had orchestrated it all—
Was the child Sarutobi had previously paid no mind to.
No wonder Jiraiya had singled him out.
…
At the familiar Ichiraku Ramen shop.
The difference now: Haruto was youthful and vigorous, his face brimming with energy.
Kakashi had once again donned his mask.
Jiraiya entered, shouting, "Boss, four bowls of ramen!"
"Right away! Please, four of you, take a seat."
Teuchi greeted them with a smile.
"You sit here. I'll… grab some grilled meat as a side," Jiraiya said, glancing around.
Yet, with a sidelong glance, he felt uneasy.
"Haruto, come with me. Let's see what you want to eat."
"Yes."
Haruto rose respectfully, following Jiraiya.
Konan couldn't help but whisper, "Jiraiya-sama really values Haruto."
"Uh…"
Kakashi's gaze flickered, then he hesitated to speak.He remembered clearly.
At that moment—
Jiraiya had suddenly stiffened, distracted, which had allowed him to coordinate and cut the rope.
It seemed… something like "you don't want to either" had been said.
"Haruto, you seem to know something?"
Being skilled in genjutsu and sensing, Konan immediately noticed Kakashi's subtle change earlier.
Kakashi thought for a moment, replying cautiously and briefly,"Maybe I recognize him."
"Jiraiya-sama and Haruto?"
"Yeah."
…
"Haruto, you did very well today."
"You showed mercy, sir. Otherwise, we wouldn't have passed."
Haruto wasn't Naruto or Obito.He fully understood the gap between himself and the Sannin—it wasn't minor.Making it easy for them to get the bell? Impossible—A needle in the haystack, eliminating all foolish hopes.
Yet, Jiraiya had only used his strongest jutsu—a chaotic lion's mane technique, not even the complete version, merely as a rope.
This wasn't leniency—it was practically generosity.
Jiraiya cleared his throat."After all, this is a Chunin assessment. It's mainly to test teamwork and attitude, not raw skill. Also, about that matter—"
"Jiraiya-sama, there are certain places in the village you should avoid mentioning. As one of the Sannin, you represent Konoha's ninja."
Haruto showed the straightforward integrity of a young shinobi.
Jiraiya's face reddened.He had assumed Haruto had just passed by before, unaware of his presence.Now it seemed the boy simply hadn't dared intervene.
Embarrassed, he replied,"That was for research—don't misunderstand."
"Oh."
Haruto's expression said it all: I believe you.
Jiraiya chuckled awkwardly, knowing the words were far from convincing.
"Order whatever you like—I'll pay!"
"Wait, not me, right?"
"You little brat!"
…
After finishing ramen and grilled meat, it was already afternoon.Jiraiya, unusually serious, said:"From now on, you're a team. I want you to maintain the morning's cooperation. Also—"
He looked at the three."Have you trained in tree climbing or water walking?"
"Yes," all three nodded in unison.
Jiraiya took out a sheet of paper."Kakashi, Konan, you've probably been tested. Haruto, try this to see what kind of ninjutsu suits you best."
"Though you worked well together, Kakashi's lightning-style and sword skills are suited for surprise attacks, Konan's genjutsu excels at control and support, but there's no frontal fighter."
His meaning was clear.Haruto was the best fit for front-line combat in the team.
"I understand."
Haruto didn't lack skill—he simply hadn't had the chance to train.Though descended from the Senju, his branch had little ninjutsu knowledge. After two generations, their funds had mostly vanished; without scrolls, learning was difficult.
He took the chakra-testing paper.Moments later, a damp patch appeared.
Jiraiya said,"Based on the paper, you naturally possess water-style chakra. Learning water-based ninjutsu will be the fastest and easiest."
Ninjutsu affinity can be innate or developed later.Haruto's affinity simply meant water-style techniques would come more easily.Theoretically, he could still learn other elements.
"I've heard Kakashi specializes in lightning-style. If I learn water techniques, we can coordinate perfectly."
A glimmer of admiration appeared on his face."Also, my idol is the Second Hokage. His water-style was famed, even mist village couldn't match him!"
The Second Hokage…
Jiraiya's expression softened, recalling memories.His water techniques had indeed been formidable.
It seemed this child, despite hardships and a changed personality, still aligned his heart with Konoha.
After a moment, Jiraiya returned to focus."Alright, I'll teach you Water Bullet. Konan, your genjutsu is strong, but you need physical training. Kakashi, your problem is minimal, but most critical—you need to cooperate actively with teammates, understood?"
The three nodded.
Konan and Kakashi watched as Jiraiya began instruction."Water Bullet is a basic water-style ninjutsu, versatile and convenient, not very difficult. Try it first."
He explained the hand seals.Rat, Ox, Tiger.
Following the sequence, Haruto focused.
Water Release: Water Bullet!
A torrent erupted from his mouth, forming a surging flood.
Jiraiya blinked, slightly stunned.Even with the extra seals and steps, it flowed smoothly.
Chakra control is impressive!
For a Genin, Haruto's skill was already exceptional.
"Incredible!" Konan whispered.First try… and already mastered it.
Such talent—it was undeniably remarkable.
Yet Haruto knew.This success wasn't purely innate talent.Water Bullet was simple, and the morning's reward had improved his chakra control.Casting jutsu had become remarkably easier.
Jiraiya, not wanting him to get conceited, pondered briefly."It's only a C-rank, basic water jutsu. Try Water Wall next—it's B-rank, a defensive technique."
"Understood."
Haruto studied the seals carefully, increasing chakra output, spraying water from his mouth.
Soon—a wall of water, as tall as a person, rose on either side, perfectly shielding him.
Jiraiya was momentarily stunned.
This kid!
How can his chakra control be this strong?
Almost on par with Konan!
She had trained in genjutsu from childhood, and with her talent, her chakra control was naturally excellent.
Haruto?He had focused on taijutsu, substitution, and swift movement over the past year—chakra control barely exceeded climbing and water walking.
Is this even fair?
Recalling his own struggles learning ninjutsu, Jiraiya's mind sank into contemplation.